Evo 13

iTrader: (2)

Has anyone here have any experience making their own foam tires? How did you do it? What tools or machines do you need? Pics? Videos?

How do the Matrix's, Contact's and Kyosho's of the world manufacture foam tires?

I am growing tired of canvasing the world in constant search for custom foam wheels, I'm ready to design my own.

All feedback is greatly appreciated.

samnelso

iTrader: (1)

Creating foams consistently and in production batches with the properties you desire is not an easy task. If you're honestly ready to begin mixing your own, a chemistry book would be a good start. There's obviously a lot of info on Google and arbitrary vids on YouTube as well.

Evo 13

iTrader: (2)

Regarding the chemistry book, what exactly would I be looking for?

Evo 13

iTrader: (2)

Anyone else have any ideas?

Roelof

For simple use you have to search for machine damping mats. These are foam rubber mats placed under machinery to damp the vibrations to the floor.

old_dude

iTrader: (1)

A lot of science has going into the products already available. The scale of the equipment needed to be profitable at doing this is beyond most peoples capabilities. Most current companies probably rely on someone else to sheet the foam and concentrate on the cutting and mounting of the tires. That in itself is a messy job. You even need to figure out what adhesive to use that A. Is environmentally friendly per the EPA and B. Works with the current traction additives.
I 35+ years in manufacturing engineering and 22 of that in the rubber industry so I understand the scope of what you are trying to do. If you are going to do it try and find an existing foam that works and stay away from the suggestion of work mats. There are companies out there that make what you want, you just have to find them. Stick to cutting and mounting and even that is probably not worth it.

DS Motorsport

iTrader: (2)

I think your best bet is to order donuts according to your specifications from one of the tire manufacturers.

I know these 3 companies make custom order tires/foams:

-Matrix
-Hotrace
-Ulti

When you have your own rim design you can also have them do all the work.